Gran Hotel Sol y Mar

From the outside, the Gran Hotel Sol y Mar looks more like your typical business hotel than an upscale property catering to couples. With its mostly fresh and modern style, the hotel is one of the nicest that we've seen in Calpe, which helps makes this a popular and -- at times -- lively spot. The lobby is generally busy, with guests reading the paper on eggplant-colored couches, checking in and out at front desk, or sipping on drinks at the bar. Decor is a tad generic in the reception area, with polished beige floors and somewhat dated mirrored pillars. The rest of the common spaces, however, are more stylish and inspired, with lots of whites, curved and clean lines, and a few minimalist accents in chairs and tables.

The hotel is known among visitors and locals alike for its beach club, located across a pedestrian street from the main building. Its lovely infinity pool is an eye-catching centerpiece, but there's also a casual bar with a covered terrace and outdoor seating, and a more exclusive Champagne bar with large sofas that's a popular spot for guests after dinner. The beach club is a great perk for couples looking to relax in the sun, and it's worth noting that the property does not allow children as of spring 2017.

Situated right in the heart of Calpe, the area around the hotel is busy during the day with throngs of visitors and locals on their way to and from the beach, while dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops draw tourists in the evening. One of the biggest perks of the hotel's location is its proximity to the beach, which is just across a pedestrian road and has a promenade with even more dining and drinking options. The Old Town, a charming cluster of narrow streets lined with low whitewashed buildings, is just down the street. Area attractions include Banos de la Reina archaeological site and the Penon de Ifach -- a stunning limestone crag and nature preserve that's home to rare fish, birds and plants -- located a 15- and 25-minute walk away, respectively. St Michael’s Orthodox Church and Monte Toix lookout point are each less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The city of Alicante and the airport are both an hour’s drive away, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.

The hotel’s 327 rooms are spacious and contemporary, with a soft neutral palette, clean lines, and stylish details such as white tufted headboards. The combination of dark brown furniture and off-white accents makes for a simple, yet appealing, style. The overall feel is fresh and modern, with amenities to match, including quality pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges stocked with free water and sodas. Standard Rooms are interior-facing and a little dark, but all other room types feature furnished balconies, many with panoramic sea views. Sofa beds are also available in all but Standard units. Twice-daily housekeeping is also provided. Bathrooms are appealing and clean, with contemporary tiled walls in brown hues, large shower/tub combos (or separate showers and tubs in some units), and glass-and-metal vanities and sinks. Yves Rocher toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are also provided, and Junior Suites and Suites have jetted tubs. Given its central location, some rooms on lower floors may pick up a bit of street noise. 

Without a doubt, the highlight at Gran Hotel Sol y Mar is the beach club, complete with a long infinity pool overlooking the beach, a Champagne bar, and a casual restaurant with cocktails, light bites, and a Mediterranean menu. There are plenty of loungers and couches on the deck, and several umbrellas provide shade, but some guests have complained that the pool is too small for a hotel of this size.

Aside from the beachfront restaurant, the hotel offers two other dining options, including a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant and an excellent buffet with a huge quality spread that includes a ‘jamonero’ -- a man whose sole job is to cut thin slices of Iberian ham for guests during meals. Half- and full-board rates are available, though drinks won't be included in those plans. 

The spa is another of the hotel’s top features, with a large hydrotherapy area with several jetted pools, and massage cabins offering an array of body treatments. There is also an excellent fitness center equipped with cardio and strength-training machines, and a Pilates studio with several machines and instructors. The hotel has seven meeting rooms. On-site parking is available for a daily fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.